Vector Control

The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) has recently identified a public health threat in Texas known as the Zika virus. It is likely that Texas will experience local transmission of Zika virus by mosquitos at some point. However, as of 3-8-2016, there have been no confirmed cases of the Zika virus in Nueces County.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has ramped up efforts to protect people from Zika virus and is urging people to follow mosquito precautions. “Mosquito season is approaching, and the number of travel-related cases continues to inch up for Texas. It’s only a matter of time before Zika virus is locally transmitted here by mosquitoes,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner. While there is no evidence of local transmission by Texas mosquitoes now, state health officials have quickly implemented Zika virus prevention plans in anticipation of increased mosquito activity and the potential for local mosquito transmission. Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can be found in Texas, particularly urban areas in the south and southeast portions of the state, but can live anywhere humans are present. Texas has confirmed 18 cases of Zika virus disease. Seventeen of those are related to travel abroad to areas with active Zika transmission.

The Nueces County Department of Public Works monitors mosquitos at 17 locations throughout rural Nueces county and performs vector control spraying as appropriate. Please refer to our Map for the trap locations and sectors.